Disposable oral hygiene assembly

ABSTRACT

A disposable oral hygiene assembly that accommodates a toothbrush, a dentifrice, a mouthwash, and a dental pick within a single disposable unit. The disposable oral hygiene assembly includes a head portion having bristles for cleaning teeth, a reservoir that acts as a handle for holding the disposable oral hygiene assembly while brushing, the reservoir contains a mouthwash liquid, and a dental pick accommodated in an elongated groove disposed in a wall of the reservoir.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disposable assembly for oral hygiene, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a disposable oral hygiene assembly for cleaning teeth, flossing, and gargling.

BACKGROUND

Oral hygiene is indispensable for an individual's overall good health and well-being. Oral hygiene generally includes keeping the teeth, gums, and mouth clean. A toothbrush with a dentifrice is commonly used for cleaning the teeth. Dental picks and flosses are used to dislodge food particles and plaque from between teeth. Mouthwash is used in oral hygiene for rinsing the teeth, gums, and mouth. Mouthwash helps to check the microbial growth in the mouth and prevents bad breath. Thus, proper oral hygiene is not only important for well-being and preventing diseases, but also affects the persona of a person.

Normally, different accessories for maintaining oral hygiene are available at a residence, for example, in a washroom. The problem occurs when a person is away from his residence, such as traveling. A traveler must carry different accessories including the toothbrush, dentifrice, dental floss or dental pick, and the mouthwash. Carrying such multiple accessories is often troublesome for the traveler. Often the travelers miss carrying one or more of such accessories that negatively affect certain aspects of oral hygiene.

While staying at hotels or similar places, guests are provided with amenity kits that include different accessories for oral hygiene. However, such amenity kits are costly and unmanageable.

Thus, a need is appreciated for a novel assembly for maintaining oral hygiene without the trouble of carrying and organizing several accessories for dental hygiene.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to a disposable oral hygiene assembly.

It is another object of the present invention that the assembly provides for cleaning the teeth.

It is still another object of the present invention that the assembly provides for keeping the gums clean.

It is yet another object of the present invention that the assembly provides for keeping the mouth clean.

It is a further object of the present invention that the assembly is compact for storage and transportation.

It is still a further object of the present invention that all the accessories for oral hygiene are readily accessible.

It is yet a further object of the present invention that the assembly is economical to manufacture.

It is an additional object of the present invention that the assembly is disposable.

In one aspect, disclosed is an oral hygiene assembly comprising a head portion that is substantially flat and has a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extends from the top surface of the head portion; a dentifrice disposed on the top surface of the head portion; and a packaging protectively and removably covering the plurality of teeth cleaning elements and the dentifrice. The plurality of teeth cleaning elements are bristles.

In one implementation, the oral hygiene assembly further comprises a reservoir of an elongated geometry having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the head portion through a stem, wherein the stem extends between the head portion and the reservoir, the distal end has an opening of the reservoir; and a cap configured to sealably close the opening. The reservoir is configured to contain mouthwash liquid. The oral hygiene assembly further comprises the mouthwash liquid filled into the reservoir.

In one implementation, a wall of the reservoir has an elongated groove on an outer surface of the reservoir, the elongated groove configured to receive a dental pick or a dental floss; and a flap removably adhered around the elongated groove and configured to secure the dental pick or the dental floss within the elongated groove. The oral hygiene assembly further comprises the dental pick contained within the elongated groove and the flap securing the dental pick, wherein the flap is configured to be removed exposing the dental pick. The oral hygiene assembly further comprises the dental floss contained within the elongated groove and the flap securing the dental floss, wherein the flap is configured to be removed exposing the dental floss. The flap comprises an extended tab configured to be grabbed by fingers for pulling off the flap from the wall of the reservoir.

In one aspect, disclosed is a method for oral hygiene, the method comprising the steps of providing the oral hygiene assembly; removing the packaging; and upon removing the packaging, brushing teeth using the plurality of teeth cleaning elements and the dentifrice. The method further comprises the steps of removing the cap; and taking the mouthwash liquid from the reservoir into a mouth for gargling. The method further comprises the steps of pulling off the flap; and removing the dental pick from the elongated groove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figure, which is incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figure further explains the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disposable oral hygiene assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

Disclosed is a disposable oral hygiene assembly that can provide for keeping the teeth, gums, and mouth clean and hygienic. Referring to FIG. 1 which shows an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed disposable oral hygiene assembly 100. The disclosed disposable oral hygiene assembly 100 can be of an elongated tubular shape resembling a standard toothbrush and could be easily stored and carried by a person. All the essential accessories for oral hygiene including the toothbrush, dentifrice, mouthwash, and floss or dental pick can be provided in a single compact device. The assembly 100 can include a head portion 110 that includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The head portion 110 can be of a planar shape i.e., substantially flat. A plurality of teeth cleaning elements 120 extend from the top surface of the head portion 110. The head cleaning elements can be bristles or any other cleaning element or a combination of the cleaning elements known to a skilled person for use in toothbrushes for cleaning the teeth. Moreover, the bristles can be arranged in a specific pattern to enhance the cleaning efficiency and any such pattern is within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the bristles can optionally be embedded with particles, such as charcoal to enhance the cleaning efficiency without departing from the scope of the present invention. The process for engaging bristles to the head portion is known to a skilled person and any such known method can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The teeth cleaning elements can be made from any suitable material that is safe and approved for use in toothbrushes. To the head portion 110 can couple suitable gum cleaning and massaging elements, for dual action cleaning the teeth and the gums.

The assembly 100 can further include a suitable dentifrice applied onto the bristles. The dentifrices are known in the art for cleaning the teeth and are available as powder, paste, or gel. A suitable dentifrice in any form i.e., gel, paste, or powder can be applied to the bristles. The dentifrice can include suitable ingredients such that the dentifrice can be retained on the teeth cleaning elements. Alternatively, cavities containing suitable dentifrice can be provided on the top surface of the head portion such that when the head portion is applied to the teeth for cleaning, the dentifrice in the cavities can be released upon the teeth and the teeth cleaning elements. The cavities include pockets or granules of the dentifrice linked to the teeth cleaning elements or the top surface of the head portion.

The assembly 100 further comprises a packaging 130 to cover the head portion 110 and protect the teeth cleaning elements and the dentifrice applied to the teeth cleaning elements from getting soiled. The packaging can be removed to expose the teeth cleaning elements just before brushing the teeth. FIG. 1 shows a flap-type packaging for the head portion, however, any packaging that can protectively cover the head portion 110 can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, the packaging can be disposable, and more preferably, the packaging can be recyclable.

The assembly 100 further includes an elongated reservoir 140 having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the reservoir is coupled to the head portion 110 through a stem 150, wherein the stem 150 extends between the head portion 110 and the reservoir 140. The reservoir is an elongated hollow body with an opening 160 at the distal end. Liquid such as a mouthwash or any other oral hygiene solution can be filled into the reservoir through the opening 160. The tip of reservoir 140 along the opening 160 can be threaded such that a cap 170 can be fastened to the reservoir for sealably closing the opening 160. It is understood that the threads shown in FIG. 1 are only for illustration purposes only, and any other fastening mechanisms known to a skilled person for sealably securing a cap to a container are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the cap can friction fit onto the opening 160 of the reservoir 140. The reservoir 140 as shown in FIG. 1 can be of an elongated geometry that can act as a handle for holding the assembly 100 in the hand of the user while brushing the teeth by the teeth cleaning elements 120. Moreover, an inner volume of the reservoir can be of suitable capacity to contain a single-use volume of mouthwash or similar liquid. In use, after or before brushing the teeth by the teeth cleaning elements, the user can remove the cap from the reservoir, and pour the contents of the reservoir into the mouth for gargling.

The wall of reservoir 140 can have an elongated groove 180 on the outer surface of reservoir 140. The groove 180 can accommodate one or more dental picks or flosses or both the dental pick and the floss. A flap 190 can also be seen that is adhered to the wall of reservoir 140 around the elongated groove and covers the elongated groove for securing the dental pick or the dental floss within the elongated groove 180. The flap can be removed to expose the dental pick or the dental floss, and the same can be retrieved for use by the user. The flap can be provided with an extending tab that can be grabbed in between fingers for pulling off the flap.

In use, the user can remove the packaging 130 to expose the teeth cleaning elements 120 for brushing the teeth, wherein a dentifrice is already applied to the teeth cleaning elements 120. The flap 190 can be removed to retrieve the dental floss or the dental pick for flossing or picking the teeth respectively. For gargling, the cap 170 can be unfastened and the mouthwash in the reservoir can be used for gargling. The packaging, head portion, the cap, dental floss or pick, and the flap can be discarded after use. The disclosed assembly 100 can provide all the essential accessories for oral hygiene in a single unit that is readily accessible, easy to carry and store, and economical.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An oral hygiene assembly comprising: a head portion that is substantially flat and has a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extends from the top surface of the head portion; a dentifrice disposed on the top surface of the head portion; and a packaging protectively and removably covering the plurality of teeth cleaning elements and the dentifrice.
 2. The oral hygiene assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth cleaning elements are bristles.
 3. The oral hygiene assembly according to claim 1, wherein the oral hygiene assembly further comprises: a reservoir of an elongated geometry having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the head portion through a stem, wherein the stem extends between the head portion and the reservoir, the distal end has an opening of the reservoir; and a cap configured to sealably close the opening.
 4. The oral hygiene assembly according to claim 3, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain mouthwash liquid.
 5. The oral hygiene assembly according to claim 4, wherein the oral hygiene assembly further comprises the mouthwash liquid filled into the reservoir.
 6. The oral hygiene assembly according to claim 5, wherein a wall of the reservoir has an elongated groove on an outer surface of the reservoir, the elongated groove configured to receive a dental pick or a dental floss; and a flap removably adhered around the elongated groove and configured to secure the dental pick or the dental floss within the elongated groove.
 7. The oral hygiene assembly according to claim 6, wherein the oral hygiene assembly further comprises the dental pick contained within the elongated groove and the flap securing the dental pick, wherein the flap is configured to be removed exposing the dental pick.
 8. The oral hygiene assembly according to claim 6, wherein the oral hygiene assembly further comprises the dental floss contained within the elongated groove and the flap securing the dental floss, wherein the flap is configured to be removed exposing the dental floss.
 9. The oral hygiene assembly according to claim 6, wherein the flap comprises an extended tab configured to be grabbed by fingers for pulling off the flap from the wall of the reservoir.
 10. A method for oral hygiene, the method comprising the steps of: providing an oral hygiene assembly comprising: a head portion that is substantially flat and has a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extends from the top surface of the head portion, a dentifrice disposed on the top surface of the head portion, and a packaging protectively and removably covering the plurality of teeth cleaning elements and the dentifrice; removing the packaging; and upon removing the packaging, brushing teeth using the plurality of teeth cleaning elements and the dentifrice.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the oral hygiene assembly further comprises: a reservoir of an elongated geometry having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the head portion through a stem, wherein the stem extends between the head portion and the reservoir, the distal end has an opening of the reservoir, wherein the reservoir contains a mouthwash liquid, and a cap sealably close the opening, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: removing the cap; and taking the mouthwash liquid from the reservoir into a mouth for gargling.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a wall of the reservoir has an elongated groove on an outer surface of the reservoir, the elongated groove configured to receive a dental pick or a dental floss, and a flap removably adhered around the elongated groove and configured to secure the dental pick or the dental floss within the elongated groove, wherein the elongated groove has the dental pick and the flap secures the dental pick within the elongated groove, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: pulling off the flap; and removing the dental pick from the elongated groove. 